FAQ

Here are the most common questions we're asked about Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards. If you need additional information or want to add this card to your health and benefits program, please
contact a Visa Card Provider.

Answers

What are Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards?

Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards help connect benefit account holders with their account funds. Whether the account is an HRA, FSA, or HSA, the respective Visa card allows direct access to those funds, and employees appreciate the convenience and ease of use of a Visa card. Rather than having to pay out-of-pocket for qualified medical expenses and then filing for reimbursement, or worrying about reconciliation. Visa Healthcare & Benefit cardholders can access their HSA, FSA, or HRA funds directly, making the transaction easy and worry-free. Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards can also be issued in connection with Transit, Dependent Care, and Wellness programs. Ask your card provider for details.

How are Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards used?

Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards can be used to easily pay for any qualified medical expenses allowed by the benefit plan. FSA and HRA cards are restricted-use cards in compliance with IRS guidelines. HSA cards can be issued either with or without restrictions, such as MCC or ATM enabled, depending on the program structure. Either way the employee is responsible for following IRS guidelines for the use of HSA funds.

How do I add Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards to my program?

To learn how you can add Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards to your HSA or benefits program, start in the Find A Provider section. You'll be able to easily search by type of provider and/or product offering. After identifying partners who meet your criteria, simply contact them directly through the links provided.
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a card provider

How do both employees and employers benefit from Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards?

Visa cards add efficiency to healthcare, transit, and other benefit accounts for both employees and employers. Employees are often more satisfied with benefit programs when they know a Visa card will make it easier to access their funds. And since these accounts are tax-advantaged, employees benefit from greater tax savings on monies set aside to pay for eligible expenses. For pre-tax contributions, employers also realize reduced payroll tax liability. In addition, Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards reduce the hassle associated with reimbursement, since the card directly accesses the funds in the benefit account.

What if a particular healthcare merchant does not accept Visa debit cards?

Participants should use another form of payment for the qualified medical expense, retain an itemized receipt, follow rules and requirements of their plan, and then:

File for reimbursement from the plan administrator if enrolled in an FSA or HRA

Reconcile/Self-reimburse if enrolled in an HSA

Can Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards be used for online purchases?

Yes, as long as the items are eligible medical expenses from a qualified merchant. An itemized receipt should be obtained.

Why do employees need to save itemized receipts?

Itemized receipts should always be retained as proof of qualified medical purchases. The benefits plan (or the IRS) may require documentation on how these funds were spent.

What if there are not enough funds in the account to cover qualified expenses?

Unless a merchant supports partial authorizations, transactions will be declined if there are insufficient funds in the account. Many benefit plan administrators provide regular updates or alerts to members regarding remaining balance to help them manage their funds. The cardholder should determine how much of the total to cover with the remaining funds and then pay for the balance using a different payment method.

Where can I find more information on HSAs?

What if an employee has detailed questions about Visa Healthcare & Benefit cards or a related healthcare account?

The employee should contact their plan provider with specific questions.

What are the IRS guidelines around IIAS?

As a general rule, otherwise unreimbursed medical expenses may qualify as an eligible expense. For further information consult IRS Publications 502, 503, and 569. Also, IRS Revenue Ruling 2010-59 and 2011-05 provided additional guidance on eligibility requirements for Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drugs & Medicines. Find out more at the Department of Treasury website http://www.treasury.gov.